Fes: 3 Days Desert Tour from Fes back to Fez

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A detailed look at the 3-day Fes Desert Tour from Fes back to Fez

Travelers interested in Morocco often think of the bustling medinas, vibrant markets, and historic sites of cities like Fes or Marrakech. But if you’re craving a taste of the Sahara’s golden dunes and authentic desert life, a 3-day desert tour from Fes offers a compelling way to experience this iconic landscape. This particular trip, offered by Desert Smile Tour, earns a solid 4.6/5 from nearly 20 reviews, suggesting it hits many of the right notes for travelers seeking adventure, comfort, and culture.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the scenic route through the Middle Atlas Mountains and Ziz Valley promises some of Morocco’s most breathtaking views. Second, the cultural stops, especially the cedar forests near Azrou where you can see Barbary macaques, add an authentic flavor. Third, the desert experience—including camel rides, Berber camp stays, and optional activities like sandboarding—really captures the essence of Sahara life. On the flip side, some reviews mention issues with transport and food quality, so it’s worth considering these factors. This trip is best suited for those who want a balanced mix of scenic drives, cultural sights, and desert adventures without breaking the bank.

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Key Points

Authentic desert experience with camel rides and Berber camp stays
Scenic route through Middle Atlas Mountains and Ziz Valley offers memorable views
Cultural stops like cedar forests and Khamlia village enhance the journey
Comfortable transport with air conditioning, professional guides, and flexible booking options
Value for money at $208, including accommodations, meals, and activities
Mixed reviews highlight both memorable moments and areas for improvement, like food quality and activity timing

Exploring the Route and Its Highlights

The journey begins early in Fes, with a driver who’s both knowledgeable and friendly—an aspect travelers consistently praised. From the start, expect a comfortable vehicle equipped with air conditioning, helping you beat the Moroccan heat as the landscape unfolds. This first leg sets the tone for the trip: scenic, relaxed, and filled with interesting stops.

Middle Atlas Mountains & Ifrane

We loved the way the route takes you through the Middle Atlas Mountains—a stunning change from the city’s hustle. Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco,” feels like a European ski town, with chalet-style architecture and tidy streets. It’s a rare contrast to the desert, offering a chance to appreciate Morocco’s varied geography and European influence. Reviewers mention Ifrane as a charming, well-kept town where you might enjoy a quick coffee break or a walk around.

Cedar Forest & Barbary Macaques

Continuing through Azrou, you’ll pass cedar forests that are home to the Barbary macaque monkeys—a highlight for many. A reviewer noted the stop here as a pleasant surprise, with the chance to feed the monkeys with peanuts (be prepared to pay for them). This is a small but memorable interaction that adds an authentic touch to the trip. It’s a chance to see local wildlife in a natural setting, making the journey more than just a drive.

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Ziz Valley & Palm Groves

Next, the route takes you through the Ziz Valley, famed for its lush palm groves and ancient kasbahs. The views from a panoramic lookout are often described as breathtaking, with towering green palms contrasting against the rocky desert backdrop. This area is perfect for snapping photos or simply soaking in the scenery. Many travelers appreciate the deeper connection to Morocco’s traditional oasis life, which you can experience even briefly during the stop.

Desert Arrival & Camel Ride

Arriving in Merzouga, you’ll be greeted with a glass of refreshing mint tea, a simple but genuine gesture that sets the tone. Afterward, a camel caravan takes you into the dunes for approximately one hour, culminating in a spectacular sunset—a truly iconic Moroccan moment. Reviewers describe the camel ride as “included,” with some noting it lasts about 20-25 minutes, which is a bit shorter than the 45-minute rides other tours might offer. Still, the experience of riding across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi under a wide sky is unforgettable.

The luxury Berber camp provides a cozy, authentic setting. Guests often mention sitting around campfires, enjoying traditional music, and stargazing—elements that contribute to the magic of the desert. Many reviewers emphasize the delicious dinner and tea, describing the camp as a peaceful retreat under the stars.

Day 2: Desert Adventures & Local Culture

Waking up early to see the sunrise over the Sahara is a highlight for many—an experience best described as humbling and awe-inspiring. Following breakfast, the day offers various activities, such as a 4×4 desert tour exploring nomadic Berber villages, fossil sites, and the village of Khamlia, known for its Gnawa music.

Optional Activities & Local Encounters

Some reviews highlight optional activities like sandboarding or quad biking—offering adrenaline for those seeking more than sightseeing. It’s worth noting that activities like quad biking cost extra (around 40 in local currency), so budgeting for these is a good idea.

Authentic Encounters

A reviewer from Izabela shared that the guide, Badr, was not just a driver but also a tour guide who shared interesting facts about Morocco’s culture. She also appreciated the chance to meet nomadic Berber families and learn about their way of life, which adds depth beyond just the scenery.

Dining & Relaxation

Lunch can be enjoyed at the hotel or a local restaurant, with meals costing around 60 Dirham. The Riad Mamouche hotel provides a comfortable base for relaxing after desert adventures, with features like a pool and friendly staff. Many travelers enjoyed downtime here, exploring the surroundings or simply resting.

Day 3: Returning to Fes

The return journey is a scenic drive back, retracing a route through Morocco’s captivating landscapes. Travelers often appreciate the comfort of their transport and the insights provided by guides like Mohamed, who many reviews mention as friendly and helpful.

The trip concludes with a drive back to Fes, typically taking around 7 hours in total, depending on stops. It’s a long day, but many feel the experience makes it worthwhile, especially considering the depth of cultural and natural sights encountered.

Overall Value & Practicalities

At $208 per person, this tour offers good value considering accommodations, meals, and activities included. The comfortable vehicle, professional guides, and variety of experiences—from scenic drives to cultural stops—add up to a comprehensive Morocco desert adventure.

However, some reviewers mention issues like the quality of food at certain stops, which might not meet gourmet expectations but still offers decent value. Also, additional costs for activities like quad biking or fossil visits mean you should budget extra cash if participating.

The flexible pay later booking option and cancellation policy (up to 24 hours in advance) make this trip accessible for spontaneous plans or uncertain schedules.

Who is this tour best suited for?

This tour suits travelers wanting a balanced mix of scenic drives, cultural insights, and desert life at an affordable price. It’s ideal for those who appreciate comfort but aren’t expecting luxury, as many reviews note the “luxury” tents are quite good, but overall, the focus is on authentic experiences rather than high-end pampering.

Perfect for first-timers wanting a comprehensive Saharan experience without an overly hectic schedule, or for those with limited time who still want a taste of the desert’s magic. And if you’re traveling with friends or partners who love both landscapes and cultural interaction, this trip covers both bases well.

FAQs

How long is the entire trip?
The tour typically lasts three days, with around 7 hours of travel on the return day. The first day covers scenic drives and stops, while the second focuses on desert activities.

What is included in the price?
The cost includes comfortable transport, a camel ride, two accommodations (a hotel and a desert camp), two breakfasts, two dinners, and activities like the camel ride and desert tour.

Are activities like sandboarding or quad biking included?
No. These are optional and cost extra (about 40 Dirham for quad biking). It’s wise to bring cash for such activities.

Is the accommodation comfortable?
Yes. You stay in a hotel (Riad Mamouche or similar) with amenities like a pool, and at the desert camp, you’ll find cozy, well-maintained tents.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund, offering flexibility.

Is the desert camp luxurious?
While not ultra-luxury, the camp is described as comfortable, with air conditioning and good facilities, and offers an authentic feel.

How is the food?
Meals are generally good, with some reviewers praising the dinners and traditional music. However, some mention that food quality at a stop en route may be less impressive.

Who are the guides?
Guides like Badr and Mohamed receive praise for their friendliness and knowledge, making the journey informative and personable.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly?
It is generally suitable, but consider the long travel days and physical activity like camel rides. The maximum age is 95, so very elderly travelers should assess their comfort.

Final thoughts

This Fes desert tour offers an accessible yet immersive way to experience Morocco’s Sahara. With scenic drives, cultural interactions, and authentic desert nights, it balances adventure and comfort at a reasonable price. While it may have some minor downsides—like food quality or activity timings—these are overshadowed by the genuine experience and friendly guides.

If you’re after a well-rounded desert adventure that won’t stretch your budget, this trip is a solid choice. It’s perfect for curious travelers eager to see Morocco’s diverse landscapes, connect with local Berber culture, and create unforgettable memories under the starry Sahara sky.